Within Temptation vocalist Sharon den Adel has been a constant on Examiner's Top Women in Hard Rock and Metal list since 2010. This week she took time out during her U.S. press tour to touch base about the band’s new album, “Hydra“. Sharon discussed the four special guests on the new record, the band’s newest member, and her guilty pleasures.

“Hydra” finds Within Temptation expanding its sound while still staying true to its sonic signature. The band continues to show its diversity including duet performances with the likes of Howard Jones (ex-Killswitch Engage, Blood Has Been Shed), Tarja Turunen (ex-Nightwish), and the less likely, David Pirner of Soul Asylum and American rapper Xzibit. According to Sharon, all four were first choices for the band, and they all came through with excellent performances.

Sharon and her partner/guitarist, Robert Westerholt wanted to continue to push the boundaries of Within Temptation‘s music with “Hydra“. The band felt it had taken Within Temptation‘s symphonic metal foundation to its peak with 2007′s brilliant, “The Heart of Everything“. With 2010′s “The Unforgiving” they channeled a more 80s oriented sound, creating their most widely accessible album to date. On “Hydra” the band dips back into its past adding some classic elements of their sound, including some harsh vocals from Westerholt, and the creation of a more guitar-driven record. The result is a blend of old and new, and perhaps a nod to the future.

You can check out the full interview in the video box, above-left, then pre-order your copy of “Hydra” which releases February 5 in North America on Nuclear Blast Records. Within Temptation will return to the U.S. for a full tour sometime in 2014.

Share this article

Rustyn is a journalist with a profound passion for music. While he loves hard rock and metal, his tastes are eclectic and cover all genres. The former editor for a San Francisco rock magazine, and current owner of Metalholic.com and MetalholicRadio.com, he can be contacted at: rustyn.rose@gmail.com.